13 November, 2006

Here is something you don't see often, a seat post that expands like a stem. So no seat tube clamp is required. It's a bit heavy so no weight is saved, but you do get that cool clean look. A number of Constructeur bikes used posts like this, though usually custom made. Of course you can remove the bolt and expander and use it as a regular post, but that would be a shame. There is a black plastic plate that goes under the rails, shock absorber? The polishing is very nice. I might save one for my custom city bike. We only have a few of these, but if your bike is worthy....

I scrounged an old "Bridgestone SuperSpeed" from a labmate that has the cast aluminum lugs found on some Bridgestone bikes. Because you can't compress cast aluminum, it came with a seatpost that had a compression fitting like a quill stem. Unfortunately, it was way too short, so I fashioned one out of a cheap aluminum Kalloy seat post. this would have been a much more elegant solution, but probably more than a beater fixed gear deserves.

These were really popular at a Concours d'Elegance in Seattle about 12 or 14 years ago. As Chris suggests, it permits the framebuilder to approach the seatlug in a whole new way. I'd use one of these with caution, though; it seems to me (on an intuitive level, rather than based on anything empirical) that you could risk buldging a light-gauge seat tube.

Agree with Olyfixie re the bulging -- I've had seat tubes bulge where the alloy seatpost corrodes a little. Makes no difference performance-wise but it doesn't look so sharp. Superultrarespectfully: isn't this one of those solutions in search of a problem?

David's right about the impracticality, but I love these odd ball things. My project next year is a custom bike for my daughter. David has probably convinced me that it should be fillet brazed. Concealed cables. Maybe a mixte. I've already accumulated new Campy Ergo 8 hubs, cogs, etc. I'm looking for a 165 Mavic starfish crank. Everything sleek and sculptural. So slippery she won't even have to pedal. This post is perfect.

Chris,Would you consider stocking the Nitto Crystal Fellow and the Nitto Jaguar? I realize there are a few sources for these, but you have very nice Nitto prices and I generally like combining multiple items when ordering...nv

What is the length on these? I have one from a late 80's Peugeot (so no other style that I know of will work) but it is not long enough to give me proper height - I need to go up probably 2 more inches. I would gladly trade with someone if I can get one of these that's long enough.

I'm confused on how to purchase one of these through the site. The link forwards me to the home page where there are none listed in seatposts and saddles section. How do I get this seatpost?? wphattpat@yahoo.com